Excitement fills the first day of school

Sixth grade teacher Sam Nesheiwat explains the benefits of using daily planners and how to set them up with his students. COURTESY OF BETHANY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

About the school

Bethany Christian Academy is a private kindergarten through eighth-grade Christian school in Westminster. The school opened 32 years ago and is under the jurisdiction of Bethany Bible Fellowship, an independent, Bible teaching church. It is also is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International

Total enrollment: 90 students

Activities: Girls drill team and boys crew teams, junior high speech team Math

Athletics: Fourth through eighth graders compete against other Christian schools in Orange County in flag football, basketball, volleyball and soccer

Students of Bethany Christian Academy in Westminster were ready for the first day of school on Sept. 4, with new backpacks, lunch boxes and school uniforms.

Principal Trish Harnish welcomed them back during an all-school assembly at the flag pole.

Old friends reunited and new friends were made, while teachers were greeted with lots hellos and hugs from their former students. Second grade teacher Renee Shinn even received a bouquet of flowers from one of her excited students.

While the first day of school is always filled with excitement, for some it’s filled with tears. Kindergarteners, clung to their moms and dads, shed a few tears for just a moment until they noticed the fun toys in their classroom. Kindergarten Teacher Elise Archuleta was eager and kind to give some encouragement to those students.

Junior high students arrived at school anxious to see their friends and get the year started. Every junior higher student received a daily planner and good study skills were discussed to ensure a successful year.

This year’s school theme is "Stand Firm" based on I Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Bethany students will definitely be standing firm as they learn and grow this year.

Sixth grade teacher Sam Nesheiwat explains the benefits of using daily planners and how to set them up with his students. COURTESY OF BETHANY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Third and fourth graders respond to teacher Tyson Behrns' instructions. COURTESY OF BETHANY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Bethany Christian Academy students, teachers and staff gather around the school's flag poles for an assembly on the first day of school. COURTESY OF BETHANY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Students, teachers and staff of Bethany Christian Academy walk to class just before the first day of school begins. COURTESY OF BETHANY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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